Ultrasound system and transducer assemblies

ABSTRACT

An ultrasound system is disclosed. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device includes a housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing, wherein the receiver assembly includes a first contact surface. The ultrasound system further includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasound probe and a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a second contact surface. The cartridge is configured to be removably received in a slot of the receiver assembly such that the cartridge is movable between a removed position, in which the transducer assembly is not connected to the ultrasound device, and an engaged position, in which the cartridge is positioned in the slot and the first contact surface is electrically coupled to the second contact surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/943,779, titled “ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLIES,” filedJul. 16, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for any and all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to ultrasound systems. Morespecifically, the present application relates to an ultrasound systemand transducers assemblies for the ultrasound system.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasoundsystem. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound device. Theultrasound device includes a housing, a control panel coupled to thehousing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing, wherein thereceiver assembly includes a first contact surface. The ultrasoundsystem further includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasound probeand a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a second contactsurface. The cartridge is configured to be removably received in a slotof the receiver assembly such that the cartridge is movable between aremoved position, in which the transducer assembly is not connected tothe ultrasound device, and an engaged position, in which the cartridgeis positioned in the slot and the first contact surface is electricallycoupled to the second contact surface.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasoundsystem wherein the receiver assembly further includes an actuatorconfigured to pull the cartridge from a partially inserted position tothe engaged position.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the receiver assembly further includes atleast one of a switch or a sensor that detects the presence of thecartridge when the cartridge is in the partially inserted position, andwherein a controller is configured to activate the actuator based on afeedback signal from the at least one of the switch or the sensor.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasoundsystem wherein the first contact surface is movably coupled to thehousing.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the first contact surface and the secondcontact surface each include a plurality of conductive surfaces.

Still another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the plurality of conductive surfaces are bowedsuch that when the cartridge is in the engaged position, the bowedconductive surfaces deform providing a holding force that resistscartridge movement from the engaged position to the removed position.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasoundsystem wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surfaceinclude a plurality of interengaging pins and recesses.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the receiver assembly further includes anactuator configured to move the first contact surface into contact withthe second contact surface when the cartridge moves to the engagedposition.

Still another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the transducer assembly further includes acover, wherein the cover is slidably coupled to the cartridge such thatthe cover is movable between a first position, in which the secondcontact surface is covered, and a second position, in which the secondcontact surface is exposed.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasoundsystem wherein an actuator is configured to move the cover between thefirst position and the second position.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the receiver assembly includes a first tab andthe cover includes a second tab, wherein the first tab and the secondtab engage such that the cover is moved from the first position to thesecond position as the cartridge is moved from the removed position tothe engaged position.

Still another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound system wherein the cartridge includes a holder configured toreceive the probe.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasounddevice. The ultrasound device includes a housing, a control panelcoupled to the housing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing,wherein the receiver assembly includes a slot and a first contactsurface. The slot is configured to receive a cartridge of a transducerassembly. The first contact surface is configured to contact a secondcontact surface of the transducer assembly when the cartridge of thetransducer assembly is positioned within the slot.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound device further including an actuator configured to pull thecartridge from a partially inserted position to an engaged position inthe slot.

Still another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound device further including at least one of a switch or a sensorthat detects the presence of the cartridge when the cartridge is in thepartially inserted position, wherein a controller is configured toactivate the actuator based on a feedback signal from the at least oneof the switch or the sensor.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasounddevice wherein the first contact surface is movably coupled to thehousing.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound device further including an actuator configured to move thefirst contact surface into contact with the second contract surface whenthe cartridge is inserted into the slot.

Still another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to anultrasound transducer assembly. The ultrasound transducer assemblyincludes a housing, an ultrasound probe coupled to the housing via acable, and a first contact surface coupled to the housing. The housingis configured to be received in a slot of an ultrasound device. Thefirst contact surface is configured to contact a second contact surfaceof the ultrasound device when the housing is positioned within the slotsuch that the ultrasound probe is electrically coupled to the ultrasounddevice.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the ultrasoundtransducer assembly further including a holder configured to receive theultrasound probe.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to theultrasound transducer assembly further including a cover, wherein thecover is slidably coupled to the cartridge such that the cover ismovable between a first position, in which the second contact surface iscovered, and a second position, in which the second contact surface isexposed.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to belimiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects,embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,and features ill become apparent by reference to the drawings and thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIGS. 1-4 are elevation views of traditional ultrasound equipment;

FIGS. 5-6 are elevation views of ultrasound equipment, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a receiver assembly of an ultrasoundsystem and transducer assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for a user engaging the transducerassembly with the ultrasound system and performing a diagnosticultrasound examination, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9-14 are detailed elevation views illustrating the transducerassembly engaging with the receive assembly of the ultrasound system,according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17A-17C are additional views of the ultrasound systemof the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures which illustrate the exemplary embodimentsin detail, it should be understood that the application may be notlimited to the details or methodology set forth in the description orillustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that theterminology may be for the purpose of description only, and should notbe regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, traditional ultrasound equipment 10 includes anultrasound system 20 coupled to a transducer assembly 30. Ultrasoundequipment 10 may be used to perform a diagnostic ultrasound examination(e.g., an abdominal, an obstetric and gynecological, a cardiac, apediatric, a musculoskeletal, etc.). Ultrasound system 20 includes abody, shown as housing 22, a user interface, shown as control panel 24,and one or more holders, shown as brackets 26. As shown in FIG. 2,control panel 24 may be rotatably coupled to housing 22 (e.g., with apinned connection) and moveable between a first position (e.g., anoperational position) and a second position (e.g., a storage position).Transducer assembly 30 includes two transducer probes 40 that arecoupled to ultrasound system 20 with cables 50 and connectors 60. Aconnector 60 is coupled to a first end of cable 50, and a transducerprobe 40 is coupled to a second end of cable 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and2, cable 50 electrically couples transducer probe 40 to ultrasoundsystem 20. While shown in FIG. 2 as having two transducer probes 40,cables 50, and connectors 60, transducer assembly 30 may have more orfewer transducer probes 40, cables 50, and connectors 60. Eachtransducer probe 40 transmits and receives ultrasound signals thatinteract with the patient during the diagnostic ultrasound examination.Transducer probes 40 may be stored within brackets 26 when not in use. Auser (e.g., a sonographer, an ultrasound technologist, etc.) may removea transducer probe 40 from a bracket 26, position transducer probe 40,and interact with control panel 24 to conduct the diagnostic ultrasoundexamination. Conducting the diagnostic ultrasound examination mayinclude pressing transducer probe 40 against the patient's body orplacing transducer probe 40 into the patient.

Referring next to FIGS. 3-4, traditional ultrasound equipment 110includes an ultrasound system 120 coupled to a transducer assembly 130.Ultrasound system 120 includes a body, shown as housing 122, a userinterface, shown as control panel 124, and a holder, shown as bracket126. As shown in FIG. 3, transducer assembly 130 includes fourtransducer probes 140 that are coupled to ultrasound system 120 withcables 150 and connectors 160. While shown in FIG. 3 as having fourtransducer probes 140, cables 150, and connectors 160, transducerassembly 130 may have more or fewer transducer probes 140, cables 150,and connectors 160. Bracket 126 is coupled to housing 122 atapproximately the same vertical position as control panel 124. Bracket126 may be positioned at the perimeter of control panel 124 or inanother location. As shown in FIG. 3, connectors 160 are coupled toultrasound system 120 at a vertical position below control panel 124. Byway of example, connectors 160 may be positioned near an end of housing122 configured to interface with a floor surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, different transducer probes 140 may be used toconduct different types of diagnostic ultrasound examinations.Traditional transducer probes 140 each include a body 142 having a firstend 144 and a second end 146. First end 144 of each transducer probe 140is coupled to a cable 150. As shown in FIG. 4, first end 144 and secondend 146 of each transducer probe 140 have different shapes. By way ofexample, second end 146 may be shaped to facilitate positioningtransducer probe 140. First ends 144 of transducer probes 140 each havea different shape, as shown in FIG. 4.

Traditional transducer assembly 130 may include different transducerprobes 140 such that a user may conduct the different diagnosticultrasound examinations with a single piece of ultrasound equipment 110.Transducer probes 140 may be stored within bracket 126 when not in use.A user may remove a transducer probe 140 from bracket 126, positiontransducer probe 140, and interact with control panel 124 to conduct thediagnostic ultrasound examination. As shown in FIG. 3, cables 150 extendfrom connectors 160, across housing 122, and upwards to transducerprobes 140. Use of different transducer probes 140 either sequentiallyor simultaneously may entangle cables 150. Cables 150 may also becomeengaged with the user's legs, with a hospital bed, or with still otherequipment. Entangled cables 150 may increase the time and effort neededto disengage a transducer probe 140, cable 150, and connector 160 fromultrasound system 120 (e.g., to engage and utilize a differenttransducer probe 140). Connectors 160 may be locked into housing 122(e.g., with a manual knob or lever) to reduce the risk that connectors160 may disengage ultrasound system 120 during a diagnostic ultrasoundexamination.

Referring generally to FIGS. 5-7, an ultrasound system of ultrasoundequipment of the present disclosure is described. Ultrasound system 200includes a body and a user interface, shown as control panel 210.According to an exemplary embodiment, a receiver assembly 220 is coupledto the housing of control panel 210. Receiver assembly 220 is configuredto engage a transducer assembly 230, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In one embodiment, receiver assembly 220 is integrallyformed with the housing of ultrasound system 200. According to analternative embodiment, receiver assembly 220 is removably coupled withultrasound system 200 (i.e. receiver assembly 220 may itself be removedfrom ultrasound system 200). As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the ultrasoundsystem's housing may take the shape of a laptop computer. In otherembodiments, the ultrasound system can be formed as a tablet or anotherrelatively thin housing. The cartridge and housing shape disclosedherein may advantageously facilitate the use of relatively smallultrasound system housings (e.g., laptop shaped, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, receiver assembly 220 is positioned along controlpanel 210. Receiver assembly 220 may be coupled to the housing ofcontrol panel 210 at approximately the same vertical position as controlpanel 210 (i.e. within the user's normal work zone). According to anexemplary embodiment, receiver assembly 220 coupled to housing atapproximately the same vertical position as control panel 210 reducesthe need for a user to bend over to disconnect a transducer connectorfrom ultrasound system 200, thereby improving the ergonomic performanceof the ultrasound equipment. A user may interact with control panel 210and position transducer probe 250 to perform a diagnostic ultrasoundexamination.

As shown in FIG. 7, receiver assembly 220 includes a body 222 having anopening, shown as slot 224, that receives transducer assembly 230.According to an exemplary embodiment, transducer assembly 230 includesan insert, shown as cartridge 240, coupled to a transducer probe 250with a cable 260. Cartridge 240 may be positioned into slot 224 of body222 to couple transducer assembly 230 with ultrasound system 200.Cartridge 240 is movable between a removed position with respect to slot224, in which cartridge 240 is not received within slot 224, a partiallyinserted position, in which cartridge 240 is partially received withinslot 224, and a fully engaged position, in which cartridge 240 isreceived in slot 224 in a manner that electrically couples transducerprobe 250 to ultrasound system 200. Accordingly, transducer probe 250may be electrically coupled with ultrasound system 200. As shown in FIG.7, receiver assembly 220 includes a contact surface, shown as firstconnector half 270. First connector half 270 is moveably coupled to body222 of receiver assembly 220. According to an alternative embodiment,first connector half 270 is fixed to body 222 of receiver assembly 220.As shown in FIG. 7, first connector half 270 is coupled to a processor,shown as circuit board 290, with a cable 292. Circuit board 290interfaces with ultrasound system 200, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Cartridge 240 also includes a contact surface, shown assecond connector half 280. Second connector half 280 is electricallycoupled to transducer probe 250 with cable 260. A first end of cable 260is coupled to transducer probe 250, and a second end of cable 260 isfixed to cartridge 240. According to an exemplary embodiment, contactbetween first connector half 270 and second connector half 280electrically couples transducer probe 250 with ultrasound system 200.The electrical coupling may occur when cartridge 240 is received in thefully engaged position within slot 224.

According to an exemplary embodiment, first connector half 270 andsecond connector half 280 include a plurality of flat conductivesurfaces (e.g., a plurality of copper contacts). According to analternative embodiment, the conductive surfaces are curved (e.g.,bowed), deformation of the curved conductive surfaces maintainingengagement between first connector half 270 and second connector half280. In such an arrangement, when the mating bowed conductive surfacesare deformed (i.e., when cartridge 240 is in the fully engagedposition), the bowed surfaces form a friction fit or a snap fitconnection such that a holding force is created that resists cartridge240 removal from slot 224. According to still another alternativeembodiment, first connector half 270 and second connector half 280include a plurality of interengaging pins and recesses. In such anarrangement, when the interengaging pins and recesses are engaged (i.e.,when cartridge 240 is in the fully engaged position), a holding force iscreated that resists cartridge 240 removal from slot 224. In still otherembodiments, first connector half 270 otherwise interfaces with secondconnector half 280 to electrically couple transducer probe 250 withultrasound system 200.

Referring next to FIG. 8, a user may engage a transducer assembly (e.g.,transducer assembly) with an ultrasound system (e.g., ultrasound system200) and perform a diagnostic ultrasound examination according to method300. A user first at least partially engages an opening of a receiverassembly with an insert of the transducer assembly (step 310). In someembodiments, the user fully engages the opening with the insert.According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the userpartially engages the opening with the insert, and an actuatorthereafter fully engages the opening with the insert (step 320). Theactuator may include a rack and pinion gear mechanism, a linear actuatorthat pulls the insert into the opening, or still another deviceconfigured to fully engage the cartridge with the slot. According to anexemplary embodiment, the receiver assembly includes at least one of aswitch and a sensor that detects the presence of the insert. Aprocessing circuit may receive a signal from at least one of the switchand the sensor and send a signal to engage the actuator. The processingcircuit may include a processor and a memory.

In the fully engaged position, a contact surface of the transducerassembly is disposed along (e.g., above, below, to a side of, etc.) acontact surface of the receiver assembly. An actuator exposes thecontact surface of the transducer assembly (step 330). According to anexemplary embodiment, exposing the contact surface of the transducerassembly with the insert in the fully engaged position reduces the riskthat debris may become disposed on the contact surface. With the insertin the fully engaged position, an actuator couples the contact surfaceof the receiver assembly with the contact surface of the transducerassembly (step 340). By way of example, the contact surface may bemoveably coupled to the body of the receiver assembly, and a linearactuator may press the contact surface of the receiver assembly intoengagement with the contact surface of the transducer assembly. Uponengagement between the contact surface of the receiver assembly and thecontact surface of the transducer assembly, the transducer probe may beelectrically coupled to the ultrasound system. A user may thereafterperform a sonogram using the transducer probe (step 350).

Referring next to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-14,transducer assembly 230 may engage receiver assembly 220. As shown inFIG. 9, cartridge 240 of transducer assembly 230 is in a fully engagedpositioned within slot 224 of body 222. According to an exemplaryembodiment, a user fully positions cartridge 240 into slot 224.According to an alternative embodiment, an actuator at least partiallypositions cartridge 240 into slot 224. The actuator may include a piniongear that engages a gear rack on cartridge 240. Rotation of the piniongear may pull cartridge 240 into slot 224. According to an alternativeembodiment, the actuator includes a linear actuator having an end thatis releasably coupled to cartridge 240. The end may engage cartridge240, and the linear actuator may pull cartridge 240 into slot 224.According to an exemplary embodiment, receiver assembly 220 includes atleast one of a switch and a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, etc.) thatdetects the presence of cartridge 240 (e.g., at the outer end of body222). A processing circuit may receive a signal from at least one of theswitch and the sensor and send a signal to engage the actuator. Theprocessing circuit may include a processor and a memory.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, cartridge 240 includes a cover, shown as door242, positioned over second connector half 280. Cover 240 may be coupledto cartridge 240. In some arrangements, cover 240 is slidably coupled tocartridge 240. In such an arrangement, cover 240 may be slid between afirst position, in which connector half 280 is covered by cover 240, anda second position, in which connector half 280 is exposed. In the secondposition, cover 240 may be received within the body of cartridge 240. Anactuator slides door 242 along cartridge 240 to expose second connectorhalf 280, according to an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments,door 242 otherwise moves relative to cartridge 240 thereby exposingsecond connector half 280. In one embodiment, the actuator is engaged(e.g., with a processing circuit) after cartridge 240 reaches the fullyengaged position. At least one of a switch and a sensor may bepositioned to detect the position of cartridge 240. In one embodiment, aproximity switch is coupled to an end of cartridge 240. As cartridge 240is drawn into slot 224, the proximity switch approaches an end face ofslot 224. Once cartridge 240 reaches the fully engaged position, theproximity switch may interrupt the circuit that engages the actuatorconfigured to draw cartridge 240 into slot 224. According to analternative embodiment, an interengaging tab system (e.g., a first tabcoupled to door 242 and a second tab coupled to body 222) slides door242 along cartridge 240. In one embodiment, an end face of cartridge 240contacts an end face of slot 224 as cartridge 240 reaches the fullyengaged position. According to an alternative embodiment, an end face ofcartridge 240 is offset from an end face of slot 224 (e.g., 1.0centimeters) in the fully engaged position.

The actuator slides door 242 along cartridge 240 as cartridge 240reaches the fully engaged position. In other embodiments, the actuatorbegins to slide door 242 along cartridge 240 before cartridge reachesthe fully engaged position. Engaging the actuator after cartridge 240reaches the fully engaged position reduces the risk that debris maybecome disposed on second connector half 280. According to analternative embodiment, cartridge 240 does not include door 242.

Referring next to FIGS. 12-14, receiver assembly 220 includes anactuator, shown as solenoid 294. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, solenoid 294is disposed between body 222 and first connector half 270. According toan exemplary embodiment, as cartridge 240 reaches the fully engagedposition, a processing circuit sends a signal to solenoid 294. Uponreceiving the signal, solenoid 294 extends, thereby moving firstconnector half 270 into engagement with second connector half 280.Positioning at least one of cartridge 240 and first connector half 270with an actuator reduces the need for a user to perform precise handmovements involved with locking or unlocking connectors from a lowerportion of ultrasound equipment. The actuators also reduce the need fora user to apply force to engage the first connector half 270 and thesecond connector half 280.

As shown in FIG. 14, cable 292 includes a slack length that facilitatesmovement of first connector half 270 upward and into engagement withsecond connector half 280. According to an exemplary embodiment, firstconnector half 270 enters cartridge 240 as it engages second connectorhalf 280 to form an electrical connection. As shown in FIG. 14, theelectrical connection is positioned within cartridge 240, therebyreducing the risk that debris may interfere with the electricalconnection and interrupt the operation of the ultrasound equipment.

According to an alternative embodiment, receiver assembly 220 does notinclude an actuator 294. In one embodiment, first connector half 270engages second connector half 280 as door 242 slides along cartridge240. In another embodiment, cartridge 240 does not include door 242, andfirst connector half 270 engages second connector half 280 as cartridge240 reaches the fully engaged position.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9-14, second connector half 280 is positionedalong a lower surface of cartridge 240. According to an alternativeembodiment, second connector half 280 is positioned along an upper orside surface of cartridge 240. According to still another alternativeembodiment, second connector half is positioned at least partially withcartridge 240 (e.g., a cylinder extending along a middle portion ofcartridge 240). First connector half 270 may be shaped and positioned tointerface with second connector half 280 with cartridge 240 in the fullyengaged position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, cartridge 240 includes a holderportion, shown as retaining portion 244. When not in use, transducerprobe 250 may be engaged with (e.g., interlock, rest upon, etc.)retaining portion 244. Cartridge 240 having retaining portion 244reduces the need for a user to hold the transducer connector in one handand transducer probe 250 in another hand when moving transducer assembly230. According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may move transducerassembly 230 from a first receiver assembly 220 to a second receiverassembly 220 with one hand. Retaining portion 244 may have a shape thatcorresponds with the shape of transducer probe 250. In some embodiments,different cartridges 240 and transducer probes 250 may be engaged withreceiver assembly 220. Each of the different cartridges 240 may includea retaining portion 244 that is shaped to correspond with the particulartransducer probe 250.

FIG. 15-17 are additional views of the ultrasound system of the presentdisclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 15, the cartridge is shown as a blade connector which can holdthe transducer. As is shown, extra material may extend above the clawwhich holds the transducer head. The extra material may be a softmaterial with a higher degree of elasticity than hard plastic. As shown,the underside of the connector blade can include an interface for thecord or cable. The interface for the cord or cable can have a strainrelief as shown in FIG. 15. As shown, the ultrasound machine may includea plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of blade shapedtransducer connector cartridges. FIG. 15 further illustrates oneembodiment of an underside for the blade connector. The blade connectorcan include a door which automatically slides open via interactionbetween the housing of the ultrasound machine and the door lip when theblade connector is inserted. In this embodiment, the door may be springbiased to a shut position. In other embodiments the door is not biasedat all. In yet other embodiments the door is based against movement,requiring some force to move the door between open and closed (and thenopen again) positions. Opening the door can expose a micro-pinlessconnector. In other embodiments, the blade connector may carry one ormore connector pins within the door.

In FIG. 16, alternative embodiments for the ultrasound machine areshown. The ultrasound machines of FIG. 16 include three blade connectorsinstalled side by side. In these embodiments, the blade connectors arethick enough such that they sit flush with the surfaces of the housingof the ultrasound machine when fully seated. As shown, each bladeconnector may include depressions on the side to facilitate gripping bythe user and/or by the ultrasound machine's connection mechanism. Astrain relief for the cord may be diagonally oriented to facilitatelaptop computing (getting the cord out of the way of a user's legs).

In FIGS. 17A-C, additional embodiments are shown in which the ultrasoundmachine does not take the form of a laptop, tablet or other portableunit. In these embodiments, the ultrasound machine is a station. In someembodiments, e.g., FIG. 17B, the same blade connectors as are utilizedon the portable ultrasound machines may be utilized. In otherembodiments (e.g., 17A, 17C), the ultrasound station may use bentconnector blades to facilitate gravity aided stabilizing and seating,while maintaining a hook eye which is parallel to the ground.

In various exemplary embodiments contained herein, the connector bladesor cartridges can house passive or active electronic circuits foraffecting the performance of the connected transducers. For example, insome embodiments the transducers may include filtering circuitry,processing circuitry, amplifiers, transformers, capacitors, batteries,failsafe circuits, or other electronics which can customize orfacilitate the performance of the transducer and/or the overallultrasound machine.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations areintended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplaryembodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled inthe art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies ofthe enclosure may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materialsthat provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide varietyof colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally, in the subjectdescription, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean serving as anexample, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design describedherein as “exemplary” may be not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, useof the word exemplary may be intended to present concepts in a concretemanner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present inventions. The order or sequence of anyprocess or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause may be intendedto cover the structures described herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scopeof the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound transducer assembly comprising: acartridge configured to be received in a slot of an ultrasound device;an ultrasound probe coupled to the cartridge via a cable extending fromthe ultrasound probe; the cartridge including a retaining portionconfigured to hold the ultrasound probe, the retaining portion includinga recess configured to receive the ultrasound probe and the cable intothe retaining portion; and a first contact surface coupled to thecartridge, wherein the first contact surface is configured to contact asecond contact surface of the ultrasound device when the cartridge ispositioned within the slot to electrically couple the ultrasound probeto the ultrasound device.
 2. The ultrasound transducer assembly of claim1, wherein the retaining portion includes a shape that corresponds witha shape of the ultrasound probe.
 3. The ultrasound transducer assemblyof claim 2, wherein the recess defines a length that is less than anouter length of the ultrasound probe.
 4. The ultrasound transducerassembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is positioned on anopposite side of the cartridge from the first contact surface such thatthe retaining portion and the ultrasound probe are positioned outside ofthe slot when the cartridge is received in the slot.
 5. The ultrasoundtransducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a bladeshape.
 6. The ultrasound transducer assembly of claim 5, wherein theretaining portion extends away from a first outer surface of thecartridge.
 7. The ultrasound transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein thecartridge includes an interface for the cable positioned adjacent to thefirst contact surface.
 8. The ultrasound transducer assembly of claim 1,wherein holding the ultrasound probe with the retaining portion allows auser to move the cartridge and the ultrasound probe together with onehand.
 9. An ultrasound system comprising: an ultrasound device includinga housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, and a receiverassembly coupled to the housing, wherein the receiver assembly includesa first contact surface; and a transducer assembly including: acartridge configured to be received in the receiver assembly of theultrasound device; an ultrasound probe coupled to the cartridge via acable extending from the ultrasound probe; the cartridge including aretaining portion configured to hold the ultrasound probe, the retainingportion including a recess configured to receive the ultrasound probeand the cable into the retaining portion; and a second contact surfacecoupled to the cartridge, wherein the second contact surface isconfigured to contact the first contact surface of the ultrasound devicewhen the cartridge is positioned within the receiver assembly toelectrically couple the ultrasound probe to the ultrasound device. 10.The ultrasound system of claim 9, wherein the retaining portion includesa shape that corresponds with a shape of the ultrasound probe.
 11. Theultrasound system of claim 9, wherein the retaining portion ispositioned on an opposite side of the cartridge from the second contactsurface such that the retaining portion and the ultrasound probe arepositioned outside of the receiver assembly when the cartridge isreceived in the receiver assembly.
 12. The ultrasound system of claim 9,wherein the cartridge includes a blade shape.
 13. The ultrasound systemof claim 12, wherein the retaining portion extends away from a firstouter surface of the cartridge.
 14. The ultrasound system of claim 9,wherein the cartridge includes an interface for the cable positionedadjacent to the first contact surface.
 15. The ultrasound system ofclaim 9, further comprising a cover slidably coupled to the cartridge,the cover configured to slide between a first position in which thesecond contact surface is covered and a second position in which thesecond contact surface is exposed.
 16. An ultrasound system, comprising:an ultrasound device including a housing, a control panel coupled to thehousing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing, wherein thereceiver assembly includes a first contact surface; a first transducerassembly including: a first cartridge configured to be received in thereceiver assembly; a first ultrasound probe coupled to a first cartridgevia a first cable extending from the first ultrasound probe; the firstcartridge including a first retaining portion configured to hold thefirst ultrasound probe, wherein hold the first ultrasound probe with thefirst retaining portion allows a user to move the first cartridge andthe first ultrasound probe together with one hand; and a second contactsurface coupled to the first cartridge, wherein the second contactsurface is configured to contact the first contact surface of theultrasound device when the first cartridge is positioned within thereceiver assembly to electrically couple the first ultrasound probe tothe ultrasound device; and a second transducer assembly including: asecond cartridge configured to be received in the receiver assembly; asecond ultrasound probe coupled to a second cartridge via a second cableextending from the second ultrasound probe; the second cartridgeincluding a second retaining portion configured to hold the secondultrasound probe, wherein holding the second ultrasound probe with thesecond retaining portion allows a user to move the second cartridge andthe second ultrasound probe together with one hand; and a third contactsurface coupled to the second cartridge, wherein the third contactsurface is configured to contact the first contact surface of theultrasound device when the second cartridge is positioned within thereceiver assembly to electrically couple the second ultrasound probe tothe ultrasound device.
 17. The ultrasound system of claim 16, whereinthe first retaining portion includes a first shape that corresponds witha shape of the first ultrasound probe, and the second retaining portionincludes a second shape different from the first shape that correspondswith a shape of the second ultrasound probe.
 18. The ultrasound systemof claim 16, wherein the first retaining portion is positioned on anopposite side of the first cartridge from the second contact surfacesuch that the first retaining portion and the first ultrasound probe arepositioned outside of the receiver assembly when the first cartridge isreceived in the receiver assembly.
 19. The ultrasound system of claim16, wherein the first cartridge includes a blade shape.
 20. Theultrasound system of claim 19, wherein the first retaining portionextends away from a first outer surface of the first cartridge.